Evesham United 1, Hednesford Town 0

FIVE successive clean sheets and a sixth win on the trot helped buoyant Evesham book a place in the last 16 of the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday night, writes Mervyn Collins.

Showing four changes from Saturday's line-up, United ought really t have settled the tie before the break against the struggling Football Conference visitors.

Andy Hodgetts headed the hosts ahead after 28 minutes, just two minutes after Andy Smith had seen a 25-yarder thump against the crossbar.

Hodgetts spurned a golden chance to double his side's lead five minutes before the break when he hit a post with the goal gaping and that miss almost rebounded on Phil Mullen's men as Hednesford proved a different proposition after the restart.

They were totally outplayed in the first half and created just one scoring opportunity when Damien Beattie pushed out a free kick from Jake Sedgemore.

Mark Haron directed a free header over the top a minute into the second period, while Hodgetts was denied by a goalline clearance four minutes later.

James Brown was thwarted by Stuart Ford in the visiting goal on the hour as Evesham came back into the match and, despite a couple of late scares instigated by substitute Stewart Pironie, the hosts deservedly booked a visit to West Bromwich Albion.

Manager Mullen was delighted with his makeshift side's efforts while still enthusing about Saturday's marvellous result.

"It was tit for tat in the first half but we really had a go at them in the second half and Payney's finishing was different class,"

he declared.

"He's really buzzing at the moment and looking extremely sharp. Everything's going great at the moment but we have got make sure we keep it that way."

Strugglers Paget Rangers are the visitors to Common Road on Saturday before the Robins embark on three away matches, starting at Sutton Coldfield next Tuesday. A coach will leave the Bus Station at 5.30pm.

Saturday's game is being sponsored by Tom Hixson of Smithfields Market, London and the ball is being sponsored by The Swan Inn, Port Street, Evesham.